Gustav Nyquist did his part to help his team in Monday's AHL All-Star Classic in Atlantic City, N.J.

PhotoGraphics Photography/AHL.Griffins rookie Gustav Nyquist had an assist for the Western Conference on Monday.

The Grand Rapids Griffins' rookie forward, representing the Western Conference, had a second-period assist as his team overcame a six-goal barrage in the first period to defeat the Eastern Conference 8-7 in a shootout

Nyquist assisted on a second-period goal by Ryan Hamilton (Toronto Marlies) that closed the deficit to 6-5. He also had a shot on goal in the second period. He finished with a plus-minus of minus-1.

The West's Kevin Connauton (Chicago Wolves) tied the game with just over four minutes left in the third, quite a comeback after the East scored four consecutive goals and led 6-2 after the first period. The West won with a 2-0 advantage in the shootout.

"There was a lot of skill out there." Nyquist said. "We picked up the pace after the first period and it turned out to be a pretty fun game."

Nyquist, Detroit’s third choice in the 2008 draft, has 12 goals and 28 assists in 39 games with the Griffins this season. He also appeared in five games with the Red Wings from late December into early January.

He was the Griffins’ lone representative at the game.

"I'm not going to put a grade on how I did or anything, but it was a fun time," Nyquist said, who had about four or five shifts each period. "It was great to play with these guys."

The Griffins return to practice Thursday in preparation for the second half, which starts with a five-game homestand 7 p.m. Friday against Hamilton.